Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally launch a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore saplings over the next five years on June 14 at Dulahazara in Cox's Bazar, aiming to expand the country's green coverage and strengthen resilience against climate change.
Under the initiative, five crore saplings will be planted annually across the country, bringing the total to 25 crore by the end of the five-year period.
The decision was taken at a meeting on the government's tree plantation programme held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister.
During the meeting, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of selecting tree species suited to local soil and environmental conditions to ensure sustainable forestation and maintain ecological balance.
"The characteristics of soil vary across different regions of the country. Trees should be selected and planted according to the specific soil and environmental conditions of each area. This will increase the survival rate of saplings and contribute positively to maintaining ecological balance," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing impacts of climate change, saying that changes in seasonal weather patterns had become increasingly visible in recent years.
"Previously, regular rainfall was expected with the arrival of June, but that pattern has changed significantly. The decline in forest cover and tree populations is one of the important factors behind such adverse changes in nature," he said.
Emphasising the need for greater environmental protection, he said tree plantation should be given priority to address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure a safer and healthier planet for future generations.
Participants at the meeting discussed strategies for implementing the ambitious programme, which seeks to increase green cover, restore ecological balance and strengthen the country's capacity to cope with the adverse effects of climate change through large-scale afforestation efforts.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Environment Secretary Raihan Kawser, Department of Environment Director General Lutfor Rahman, Additional Director General Ziaul Haque, Chief Conservator of Forests Amir Hossain Chowdhury, and Jamail Bashir, a member of the 25 Crore Tree Plantation Programme Cell, among others, attended the meeting.
